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World Cup 2026 host: Fifa vote awards tournament to United States, Canada and Mexico over Morocco

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announces Canada, Mexico and United States will host the 2026 World Cup: EPA
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announces Canada, Mexico and United States will host the 2026 World Cup: EPA

The United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host the 2026 World Cup.

Fifa member federations voted in favour of the North American bid over Morocco. Fifa are due to publish each voter's selection.

The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams playing a total of 80 games — 60 are planned in the US and 10 each in Canada and Mexico.

All three hosts should get automatic places in the lineup, and each host a game on opening day.

Morocco lost again with its fifth bid campaign in the past 30 years, including to the U.S. for the 1994 World Cup.

The 2026 tournament will return to the North American region 32 years after that U.S.-hosted edition. Mexico also hosted in 1970 and 1986.

Presidents of the United States, Canada and Mexico football federations were joined by teenage players Alphonso Davies of Canada, Brianna Pinto of the U.S., and Diego Lainez of Mexico as they presented their bid.

Davies spoke of being born in a refugee camp in Ghana, before growing up in Canada.

(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Pinto told of bonding with opponents from Iran after an Under-20 international game.

U.S. Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro promised $4 billion ticket revenue for Fifa from 5.8 million people attending the 80-game, 48-team tournament.

The 15-minute presentation to leaders of Fifa member federations was to be followed by a presentation from Morocco, who urged Fifa voters to give the North African country a World Cup to host in its fifth bid attempt.

Presenting after the U.S.-led North American bid, Morocco distanced itself from the multi-billion dollar promises of its rival.